Venison safe to eat after proper cooking

Maureen Ferrier

Consumers have been warned about properly cooking some venison products produced by Dundee company Highland Game.

The move follows an outbreak of E.coli which has hit nine people across Scotland.

Food Standards Scotland has advised that raw venison products by Highland Game with use-by dates from September 4, 2015 to October 1,2015 should be cooked properly according to instructions on the pack.

The products affected are Scottish Slimmers venison sausages, Scottish Slimmers venison meatballs and grillsteaks with use-by dates between September 4 and 28, and venison steaks with pepper sauce to be used in the date range September 4 to October 1.

As these use-by dates have passed, products will no longer be on sale, but consumers may have products in their freezers at home, FSS warn and that they should not present a risk to health if handled and cooked properly.

For advice on handling and cooking of meat and meat products, is available on the FSS website.

Dr. Syed Ahmed, Consultant in Health Protection/Clinical Director, Health Protection Scotland, also reminded consumers: “It is important that all deer meat should be cooked thoroughly and should not be eaten medium or rare. The risk of infection can be reduced by careful hand washing, especially after contact with animals, handling raw meats, after going to the toilet and immediately before preparing or eating food and by making sure that food is always properly prepared.”